A Fresh-Start Fall in San Diego

Updated October 2026 · Rudy Flores

When life is changing, small plans help. Nothing on this list needs a group, a babysitter or a big commitment. Pick one, put it on the calendar and enjoy being out in a San Diego fall.

Get outside

National Wildlife Refuge Week

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Where: Living Coast Discovery Center, Chula Vista

Walk the bayfront refuge trails and see the animal exhibits. A Saturday hike starts at 11:30 a.m. The center is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Living Coast calendar.

Creepy Critters Campfire Program

When: Saturday, October 10, 6 to 7 p.m. · Where: Kumeyaay Lake Campground, Mission Trails

An evening campfire program on the City of San Diego fall events list. City of San Diego fall events list.

Concerts in the Park

When: Saturday, October 17, 2 to 3:30 p.m. · Where: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center

An afternoon of live music. City of San Diego fall events list.

Stroll and sample

Bella Vita Fest

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18 · Where: Little Italy

Chalk art, food, wine and music on the weekend of October 17 and 18 (Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Times of San Diego.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire

When: Sunday, November 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Where: Carlsbad Village

A big one-day faire with about 900 booths, food and live entertainment. Carlsbad Village Street Faire.

Give back, gently

Coronado Turkey Trot

When: Thursday, November 26 · Where: Coronado

A flat 5K you can run, walk or stroll, and it raises money for research and treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital. Discover Coronado.

Lights and music in December

Balboa Park December Nights: Friday, December 4 (4 to 10 p.m.) and Saturday, December 5 (noon to 10 p.m.), free. City of San Diego.
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 8 p.m., lighting at 6:30 p.m. Little Italy Association.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Sundays, December 13 and 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. Route and viewing spots.

A word about the bigger plans

A calm weekend is a fine way to think. When questions about a home come up, such as whether to sell, buy or wait, Rudy is glad to listen and lay out the options without pressure. He does not give legal or tax advice, and he will happily work alongside your attorney and other advisors.

Thinking about what comes next for your home? Rudy would be glad to talk it through. The four-question Home Strategy Quiz takes about a minute, and he will follow up personally.

Dates and times were checked on the organizers’ and cities’ own pages on October 3, 2026. Events can change or sell out, so open the linked page before you head out. This site is not affiliated with any event listed here.

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